Wednesday, 13 August 2025

 Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Water) (12:08): We know that rainfall and drought are impacting many farmers across the state, and that is why –

Members interjecting.

The PRESIDENT: Order! Can we reset the clock?

Gayle TIERNEY: We know that low rainfall and drought are impacting many farmers across the state, and that is why, as part of the government’s total $144 million drought support package, we are delivering a catchment management authority drought employment program. This provides meaningful off-farm employment opportunities for farmers and farm workers experiencing hardship because of dry conditions to take a role with their local catchment management authority. These jobs will be available with the Glenelg Hopkins and Corangamite CMAs, supporting the areas of our state that have been hit the hardest, and I am pleased to announce that expressions of interest for these jobs are now open. Impacted farmers and farm workers in 11 south-west council areas can now apply through their CMA to be involved. This supports farmers and farm workers to earn an income, apply their skills and build confidence in future employment opportunities. At the same time, this supports CMAs to bring forward essential local environmental and waterway works. This includes works such as riverbank fencing, pest and weed control and revegetation, delivering important outcomes for our vital waterways.

A range of flexible part-time and full-time roles will be offered, depending on what workers need. This will also give farmers time to get back on their feet, with a break from paying wages while the CMAs keep local farm workers locally employed. While many farmers and regional communities are still grappling with the challenges of drought conditions, it is important that we all continue to follow statewide permanent water-saving rules. Every drop is precious – something our regions absolutely know too well.

Members interjecting.

The PRESIDENT: When a minister makes a ministers statement and refers to other political parties or their policies, they might ask for a bit of interjection. But when a minister is giving a ministers statement just about information, I expect them not to be interjected at. We are lucky enough to have a small chamber compared to the other chamber, where I fully understand the Presiding Officer tips people out. But here we do not like doing that, do we? Mrs McArthur, you have been warned, and I am going to start warning people from all sides, because I am kind of over it. As I said, I prefer us to be able to control ourselves a little bit.